CSU highest-ranked PBC institution in Learfield Directors’ Cup

CLEVELAND – The Columbus State University athletic department finished the 2016-17 academic year ranked 51st in the final Division II Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings. The ranking was the highest among the 14 Peach Belt Conference institutions.

The Learfield Directors’ Cup is a program that honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men’s and women’s. It began in 1993-94 for Division I by NACDA and USA Today, and was expanded in 1995-96 to include Division II, III and the NAIA.

Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. Points are given to those institutions advancing to the NCAA, NAIA or two-year college/university championships.

Columbus State earned its highest point totals from the women’s soccer and men’s tennis programs. Both teams reached the national semifinals in their respective seasons. The Lady Cougars finished 21-3-0 and were in the semifinals for the second consecutive season, while the Cougars tennis team was 25-4 on the year and made its first semifinal appearance since 2011.

The Lady Cougars basketball and tennis teams contributed in a large way as well, as both reached the national quarterfinals. The CSU women’s basketball program posted a 31-2 record and reached the Elite Eight for the first time in 16 years. Lady Cougar tennis was 25-3 and made its fourth quarterfinal appearance in the last six seasons.

CSU also picked up points for postseason appearances from the men’s basketball and men’s track & field programs. Cougar basketball won 20 games and reached the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. The men’s track & field program sent student-athletes in the 100 meters and 4x100 relay to the national championship, marking the Cougars’ first appearance since 2010.

For the 2016-17 academic year, Columbus State captured 11 Peach Belt Conference championships.

Full Learfield Directors' Cup standings can be found here.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 4:33 PM with the headline "CSU highest-ranked PBC institution in Learfield Directors’ Cup."